A partnership between Etihad Airways and technology firm Elenium has developed systems based on artificial intelligence (AI) to automate the check-in and boarding process at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The new technologies, which include voice-activated self-service kiosks, bag drop and boarding gate facilities, will be showcased at the Passenger Terminal Expo in London between 26 and 28 March.
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The new facilities, which have been developed using cloud technology, AI, computer vision and natural human interfacing, will be deployed at the new Midfield Terminal at the Abu Dhabi Airport.
Etihad Airways hub and midfield operations vice-president Jorg Oppermann said: “With biometric installations increasing across airports globally, Etihad is recognising the growing demand to streamline not just the passenger verification process but to also decrease passenger queues and to increase operational efficiency.
“As a leading global airline, Etihad’s unique collaboration with Elenium will allow us to use their advanced technologies and expertise to cultivate new ideas for the aviation industry and foster the vision of future travel.”
After implementation, travellers will be able to check in to their flight and register their biometric data on their mobile device prior to reaching the airport, reducing wait-times at the airport.
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By GlobalDataUsing biometrics, passengers are recognised and provided with a personalised duty-free shopping experience through a voice interactive display.
The new baggage-drop terminals also use AI to scan and remember each suitcase placed on the belt and assign it to the guest reservation, eliminating the need for tagged luggage.
Furthermore, Customer Service Kiosks are available across the terminal, offering airport information and ancillary opportunities.
Passengers will be able to board their flight by walking through boarding channels that will automatically validate them without the need for a printed boarding pass.
Etihad Airways will also white label the Elenium Voyager App for booking management, passenger check-in, timatic auto check, facial biometric enrolment, passport validation, payment wallet, and itinerary management, as well as companion functions.
